Southeast

The projects below reflect those for which we were able to gather supporting materials and multimedia. There are hundreds of local government and state agency project requests. If you’d like to see a project highlighted below, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

The small town of Lanesboro, located in the heart of Bluff Country, is requesting $3 million in bonding to repair the Lanesboro Stone Dam. The dam sits on the popular Root River and was built in 1868 using a now obsolete method of un-mortared limestone – one of only six structures like it in the U.S.

This aging infrastructure is considered a ‘high hazard dam’ by the DNR, which means it does not meet the required factors of safety for stability, and its failure could cause the loss of human life. The DNR is requesting $3 million to repair the dam – which sits on the National Register of Historic Places. It is because of this very designation that makes repairing the dam more difficult, because different techniques must be used to preserve its historic significance.

An organization that helps 8,700 students struggling with dyslexia is asking for the state’s help in the construction of a new building. The Reading Center, located in Rochester, was started in 1951 and offers a multitude of services for people who are diagnosed with dyslexia.

Dyslexia is frequently difficult to diagnose and effects 15 to 20 percent of the population. The Reading Center is asking for a $1.5 million match from the state to construct a new building to increase the number of teachers and students they serve.

Project leaders say early detection of dyslexia reduces the cost for the government and improves the quality of life with those diagnosed with dyslexia.

A major hydroelectric dam located on the Cannon River is due for an upgrade according to Dakota County leaders. The Byllesby dam provides clean electricity to thousands of residents, but the hydroelectric generators are reaching the end of their operational life.

Dakota County is asking the state for $6 million of a total $12 million project to fund turbine and powerhouse improvements at the dam. The dam, which is 103 years old, is currently undergoing a massive capital improvement project to increase its safety and prevent major flooding. Due to the high cost of that project, dam leaders looked into how to recoup the costs, and they determined increased electricity generation would help mitigate the costs associated with the improvement project.

The city of Medford is asking the state for more than $14 million to address general maintenance and city facility renovations in the community. Medford currently has the highest growth rate in Steele County and city leaders say it is time for infrastructure improvements to support this growth.

Among the projects requesting funding is the renovation of the Medford Municipal Facility. This building would house city hall, the fire department and emergency services, council chambers, and community space. The Medford Fire Department is currently having space issues including difficulty parking their fire engines. The upgraded facility would alleviate those concerns.

The City of Preston is proposing to build a new veterans home. The Fillmore County seat in the far southeast corner of the state is 70 miles away from other veterans homes and could potentially serve close to 25,000 veterans living in the region.

As the newest site proposing to build a veterans home, city leaders and advocates made their bonding pitch to committee members, citing the number of veterans who could be served and the peaceful location. The new home would offer skilling nursing care, specialized care unites for Dementia and Alzheimer’s, 24/7 domiciliary care, adult daycare services and much more.

The Minnesota Historical Society is requesting $850,000 in bonding to help restore historic Forestville to its former glory. The small village, located in rural Fillmore County, sends visitors back in time to the 1890s. Visitors are invited to explore the Meighen family store which is filled with original 19th-century merchandise, discover what’s cooking in the kitchen and help the hired hands with chores in the garden and farm buildings.

The bonding funds will be used to repair and refinish these aging buildings, in order to preserve this moment in time.

The city of Red Wing is requesting $13 million in bonding to fund an economic development project that city leaders say will help drive tourism and make Red Wing our state’s premier river town.

The first part of the projects involves building a new transient dock to accommodate larger riverboats. The vision also includes reconfiguring portions of Levee Road to minimize high water flooding, as well as the construction of the Mississippi River Walk Trail. The trail would hug the river alongside the train tracks and will bring hikers and bicyclists to the 340-foot Barn Bluff, a nationally recognized historic site. A final part of the city-wide project is the bonding request for the Sheldon Theater.

Because of the many components that make up this project there are two separate bonding requests. The city of Red Wing is requesting $4.48 million in bonding to help finish the dock construction, Levee Road configuration and several other small river-access related projects. The city is also requesting $8.6 million in bonding to complete the Mississippi River Walk trail.

The Rochester Airport is a major hub for international air traffic due to its close proximity to the Mayo Clinic. In order to keep its international airport designation, the facility needs to be upgraded to provide more space for border patrol and customs agents. The Department of Homeland Security has mandated the changes, which include 20,000 additional square feet, reconfiguration of the terminal, and upgrades to the electrical, fire protection and low voltage network.

Project proponents say the changes will allow them to process 75 passengers per flight. Currently, those disembarking from international flights are forced to wait outside the processing area, which is inconvenient for those passengers and creates a security risk. Airport officials are asking the state for nearly $5 million. The total project cost is $16 million.

The National Eagle Center (NEC) in Wabasha is looking to expand its offerings. This landmark interpretive center offers close to 80,000 visitors each year the chance to learn about eagles through engaging exhibits and daily educational programs. But NEC is growing, with annual attendance figures up nine percent over last year.

The center is proposing a 19,000 square foot expansion to enrich the visitor experience and add educational value to each visit. The center is requesting $2 million in bonding from the state to fund the $4.6 million project.

RCTC is asking the state for more than $20 million for the remodel, demolition and design of old and outdated classroom and office space. Project leaders say Memorial and Plaza halls have outlasted their usefulness and their removal would help clear a multi-million-dollar maintenance backlog, as well as allow the college to renovate 11,000 feet to create modern class rooms which will help increase energy efficiency on campus.

College leaders say the project will create a more efficient and comfortable learning environment while reducing costs.

Riverland Community College in Albert Lea is asking for more than $7 million in state bonding for the design, construction and renovation of their transportation, trade and industrial education center. The Albert Lea campus has not been upgraded since the early 1970s and much of the space is outdated and inefficient. Industry partners with the campus have expressed their concern over the outdated facilities.

The proposal calls for the renovation of nearly 40,000 square feet, which houses the Automotive and Diesel programs, and relocating the Truck Driving and Collision Repair programs from Austin to Albert Lea to integrate the two programs into a shared space.

Project leaders say this project aligns with a DEED initiative to supply workers in the transportation, construction and energy fields.

A major hydroelectric dam located on the Cannon River is due for an upgrade according to Dakota County leaders. The Byllesby dam provides clean electricity to thousands of residents, but the hydroelectric generators are reaching the end of their operational life.

Dakota County is asking the state for $6 million of a total $12 million project to fund turbine and powerhouse improvements at the dam. The dam, which is 103 years old, is currently undergoing a massive capital improvement project to increase its safety and prevent major flooding. Due to the high cost of that project, dam leaders looked into how to recoup the costs, and they determined increased electricity generation would help mitigate the costs associated with the improvement project.

Riverland Community College in Albert Lea is asking for more than $7 million in state bonding for the design, construction and renovation of their transportation, trade and industrial education center. The Albert Lea campus has not been upgraded since the early 1970s and much of the space is outdated and inefficient. Industry partners with the campus have expressed their concern over the outdated facilities.

The proposal calls for the renovation of nearly 40,000 square feet, which houses the Automotive and Diesel programs, and relocating the Truck Driving and Collision Repair programs from Austin to Albert Lea to integrate the two programs into a shared space.

Project leaders say this project aligns with a DEED initiative to supply workers in the transportation, construction and energy fields.

The National Eagle Center (NEC) in Wabasha is looking to expand its offerings. This landmark interpretive center offers close to 80,000 visitors each year the chance to learn about eagles through engaging exhibits and daily educational programs. But NEC is growing, with annual attendance figures up nine percent over last year.

The center is proposing a 19,000 square foot expansion to enrich the visitor experience and add educational value to each visit. The center is requesting $2 million in bonding from the state to fund the $4.6 million project.

RCTC is asking the state for more than $20 million for the remodel, demolition and design of old and outdated classroom and office space. Project leaders say Memorial and Plaza halls have outlasted their usefulness and their removal would help clear a multi-million-dollar maintenance backlog, as well as allow the college to renovate 11,000 feet to create modern class rooms which will help increase energy efficiency on campus.

College leaders say the project will create a more efficient and comfortable learning environment while reducing costs.

The City of Preston is proposing to build a new veterans home. The Fillmore County seat in the far southeast corner of the state is 70 miles away from other veterans homes and could potentially serve close to 25,000 veterans living in the region.

As the newest site proposing to build a veterans home, city leaders and advocates made their bonding pitch to committee members, citing the number of veterans who could be served and the peaceful location. The new home would offer skilling nursing care, specialized care unites for Dementia and Alzheimer’s, 24/7 domiciliary care, adult daycare services and much more.

The city of Medford is asking the state for more than $14 million to address general maintenance and city facility renovations in the community. Medford currently has the highest growth rate in Steele County and city leaders say it is time for infrastructure improvements to support this growth.

Among the projects requesting funding is the renovation of the Medford Municipal Facility. This building would house city hall, the fire department and emergency services, council chambers, and community space. The Medford Fire Department is currently having space issues including difficulty parking their fire engines. The upgraded facility would alleviate those concerns.

The city of Red Wing is requesting $13 million in bonding to fund an economic development project that city leaders say will help drive tourism and make Red Wing our state’s premier river town.

The first part of the projects involves building a new transient dock to accommodate larger riverboats. The vision also includes reconfiguring portions of Levee Road to minimize high water flooding, as well as the construction of the Mississippi River Walk Trail. The trail would hug the river alongside the train tracks and will bring hikers and bicyclists to the 340-foot Barn Bluff, a nationally recognized historic site. A final part of the city-wide project is the bonding request for the Sheldon Theater.

Because of the many components that make up this project there are two separate bonding requests. The city of Red Wing is requesting $4.48 million in bonding to help finish the dock construction, Levee Road configuration and several other small river-access related projects. The city is also requesting $8.6 million in bonding to complete the Mississippi River Walk trail.

An organization that helps 8,700 students struggling with dyslexia is asking for the state’s help in the construction of a new building. The Reading Center, located in Rochester, was started in 1951 and offers a multitude of services for people who are diagnosed with dyslexia.

Dyslexia is frequently difficult to diagnose and effects 15 to 20 percent of the population. The Reading Center is asking for a $1.5 million match from the state to construct a new building to increase the number of teachers and students they serve.

Project leaders say early detection of dyslexia reduces the cost for the government and improves the quality of life with those diagnosed with dyslexia.

The Minnesota Historical Society is requesting $850,000 in bonding to help restore historic Forestville to its former glory. The small village, located in rural Fillmore County, sends visitors back in time to the 1890s. Visitors are invited to explore the Meighen family store which is filled with original 19th-century merchandise, discover what’s cooking in the kitchen and help the hired hands with chores in the garden and farm buildings.

The bonding funds will be used to repair and refinish these aging buildings, in order to preserve this moment in time.

The Rochester Airport is a major hub for international air traffic due to its close proximity to the Mayo Clinic. In order to keep its international airport designation, the facility needs to be upgraded to provide more space for border patrol and customs agents. The Department of Homeland Security has mandated the changes, which include 20,000 additional square feet, reconfiguration of the terminal, and upgrades to the electrical, fire protection and low voltage network.

Project proponents say the changes will allow them to process 75 passengers per flight. Currently, those disembarking from international flights are forced to wait outside the processing area, which is inconvenient for those passengers and creates a security risk. Airport officials are asking the state for nearly $5 million. The total project cost is $16 million.

The small town of Lanesboro, located in the heart of Bluff Country, is requesting $3 million in bonding to repair the Lanesboro Stone Dam. The dam sits on the popular Root River and was built in 1868 using a now obsolete method of un-mortared limestone – one of only six structures like it in the U.S.

This aging infrastructure is considered a ‘high hazard dam’ by the DNR, which means it does not meet the required factors of safety for stability, and its failure could cause the loss of human life. The DNR is requesting $3 million to repair the dam – which sits on the National Register of Historic Places. It is because of this very designation that makes repairing the dam more difficult, because different techniques must be used to preserve its historic significance.